Thursday February 27, 2025 | DUNCAN, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Quw’utsun Secondary School was officially opened on February 7, 2025. The special day was hosted by the Board of Education for the Cowichan Valley School District (SD79).
Quw’utsun Secondary at 2557 Beverly Street in Duncan is the newest secondary school in the Cowichan Valley to meet the diverse needs of students and the community. It replaces the old Cowichan Secondary School that was built in the 1950s.
As the population has grown, the previous high school had become too small and required seismic upgrading.
The state-of-the-art facility is intended to embody the spirit of collaboration, respect, and innovation, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and knowledge of project partners, Cowichan Tribes.
“Through this project, the district and Cowichan Tribes ensured that Indigenous perspectives and knowledge are woven into the school’s curriculum and built environment,” it was stated in a news release.
To ensure the new school reflected the community’s needs and wishes, the Board of Education established advisory groups and collaborated closely with Cowichan Tribes throughout the design and construction process.
These partnerships have been pivotal in shaping a school and Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC) that not only serves the school’s students but also addresses critical community needs.
Cowichan Tribes emphasized the importance of an Indigenous Language and Culture Centre, ensuring that Indigenous students see their heritage and identity reflected in their learning environment. These insights are included in the new school, making it a true community asset.
Board Chair comments:
“The opening of Quw’utsun Secondary School marks a pivotal moment in our journey as a community,” says Cathy Schmidt, Chair, SD79 Board of Education.
She emphasized that the new school was built for all students and serves as a concrete example of reconciliation that benefits every student. The school features a library learning commons.
“By working with Cowichan Tribes and engaging with community experts, knowledge holders, elders, and community advocates, we have honoured local knowledge and ways of being, ensuring that all students can thrive in a culturally enriched, modern educational setting.” said Schmidt.
Education Minister and local MLA:
“The new Quw’utsun Secondary School is a space that honours culture, fosters inclusion, and equips students with the skills they need to succeed,” said Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare in a news release on February 7.
“Through strong partnerships, this new school addresses community needs, benefiting generations to come. This school isn’t just a building – it’s a reflection of our shared commitment to the future,” said Beare.
Today in the Legislative Assembly local Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski proudly highlighted the school opening. She had attended the opening on February 7 in Duncan. The planning, building and opening phases were collaborative, she told fellow MLAs today.
Toporowski noted that the Province of BC contributed over $80 million to the new school project from the seismic mitigation program.
Toporowski noted the “wood first” design (with wood harvested by the Malahat Nation) and an abundance of natural light in the school. There is an outdoor learning and gathering space.
Mayor Douglas weighs in:
“The opening of the new Quw’utsun Secondary marks an exciting milestone for our community, providing students with a modern and inclusive space to learn, grow, and create lasting memories,” says Mayor of North Cowichan, Rob Douglas.
“North Cowichan is proud to have supported this project, helping to provide future generations with a strong foundation for learning and success,” said Douglas.
Medical services and youth programming:
In addition to creating exceptional learning environments founded on collaboration, respect, and innovation, community representatives articulated the necessity for non-emergency medical services and programming for youth and a focus on applied skills in design and technology.
In addition to its academic offerings, Quw’utsun Secondary School will include a dedicated health centre developed in partnership with Island Health. Upon completion in the coming months, a new youth health centre will offer public health nursing services.
The centre will promote students’ physical and mental well-being and provide essential health services and resources within the school community, including immunizations, mental health and wellness referrals and support, and information about relationships and sexual health.
As the doors open at Quw’utsun Secondary School, the community welcomes students into a space that reflects their collective hopes and aspirations. While the journey to a new school has been long, the new school stands as a testament to the resilience, spirit, and commitment of the Cowichan Valley community.
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: K-12 PUBLIC EDUCATION | COWICHAN-DUNCAN